Doesn’t the title resemble a boxing match? Just imagine, the referee announcing, “Introducing, in the red corner, From Sony Corp Japan, weighing in around 260 gm – ‘PS VITA’; and the opponent, From Nintendo Japan, weighing in around 336 gm – Nintendo 3DS XL.” Ok, on a serious note, when two technological products come face-to-face for a comparison, the endurance is sure to make some waves. The same is going to happen here.. So, let’s check out which outdoes which in this Knock-out match!
Round: 1 – The Design and the Build:
Since the two are handheld gaming devices, design and build play a crucial role. The device has to fit in with ease amidst our palm, so that a good gaming experience is delivered. Nintendo has a screen size of 4.88 inches that is approximately 2 cm larger than the earlier 3DS and has a smooth finish with no pinpointing sharp edges. Thus, it feels good to hold the device while playing, though not for long due to its weight. On the other hand, PS VITA has a 5 inches OLED screen and has a smooth finish as well. Its curvy-geoid shape makes us feel that we are actually holding a gaming device. Despite its larger size, VITA still manages to keep its weight low, just around 260 gm.
Winner: PS VITA
Round: 2 – Battery Life:
Considerations upon the battery life of a product are very important before coming into any conclusion. During the product launch, Nintendo made claims that it’s not only the size that has got bigger in 3DS XL. Yes, that seems to hold true. The device now offers a battery life from 3.5 hrs to 6 hrs of game play with the 3D turned on and some additional solid hrs for non 3D games. Contrary to this, PS VITA manages to deliver a battery life of just around 5 to 6 hrs, before it is dead!
Winner: Nintendo 3DS XL
Round: 3 – Features:
This time let’s begin with PS VITA. The device boasts of a 2 GHz quad core ARM-A9 chipset, a RAM of 512 MB, a GPU that can produce over 133 million polygons per second and an OLED screen that can produce up to 960X544 pixels resolution. The other notable features of the device include a capacitive touch screen, 3G/ Wi-Fi connectivity and augmented reality support. The device also bears two cameras, a front facing and a rear camera each capable of recording snapshot and video images. From Nintendo’s aspect, it sports a 1GHz dual core ARM A11 chipset with 128 MB RAM, a GPU that can produce up to 15.3 million polygons per Sec and has dual screens (one touch and the other 3D) that offer a resolution of 800X240 and 320X240 pixels respectively. Nintendo has other attributes like a resistive touch screen, an SD memory card slot (which VITA lacks) with a 4 GB one already included and Connectivity through Wi-Fi. Nintendo has one inner camera and two external cameras that support a resolution of up to 640X480 pixels.
Winner: Time Out
Round: 4 – Pricing:
PS VITA is out on 2 versions – a 3G model and a non 3G version. PS VITA with 3G is priced at around $440 and the non 3G model is priced at around $360. Nintendo, on the other hand is priced at around $199.
Winner: You Decide
As they say, it is comparatively easier to give out comments like “punch him on the cheek, punch him left…” but it is the player who is actually feeling the heat in the ring. Similarly, comparisons and distinctions can be brought out easily, but it is purely in the hands of the users to give the final verdict. Some may like VITA, while some may not; some may adore 3DS XL, while others may not. So, it’s you who have to play the final round of the match and declare the winner!
